Stroger warns about cost of probing Burr Oak

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger warned today about the mounting costs of investigating Burr Oak Cemetery as he ordered stepped up inspections at 28 other cemeteries in unincorporated areas.

Sheriff Tom Dart expects the cost of overtime pay alone to reach $200,000, Stroger said. County workers helping with crime-scene logistics under the Emergency Management Department also is racking up overtime, he said.

"It's going to be very expensive," Stroger said. "And this is why we pay taxes--so we can do things like this. . . . This is such a massive undertaking, the sheriff may even have to ask for some additional resources, and I don't know where that's going to come from."

Stroger talked about the costs to handle what he said was the largest crime scene in state history while announcing that three "peer support" centers would be offering help as soon as this afternoon at the county's three public hospitals: Stroger, Provident and Oak Forest.

The centers would be staffed by the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, which would provide a sympathetic ear and direct people to other programs, including bereavement services, pastoral care or mental health professionals.

"What we'll do is come alongside and listen very carefully to the stories that are told, not only to the words that are spoken, but listen to the heart and the inner need of the person who is suffering, who is grieving," said Major David Dalberg of the Salvation Army. "You know, this isn't just another death. This is an unimaginable situation that has taken place."

More information on the peer support centers can be obtained by calling 312-603-8180 or, later this afternoon, by going to www.cookcountygov.com.

"Friday, I walked through the grounds of the Burr Oaks Cemetery," Stroger said. "I must say it was one of the saddest sights that I've ever seen. And I strongly believe that we need ombudsmen to prevent further desecration of what many call holy ground. We simply need stronger oversight measures at all cemeteries."

Although Burr Oak, located within the corporate boundaries of Alsip, was not under county jurisdiction, Stroger also ordered his Building and Zoning Department to inspect 28 cemeteries in unincorporated areas every three months, instead of once a year as it now does.